Advanced Cardiac Imaging for Complex Adult Congenital Heart Diseases

Methodist Debakey Cardiovasc J. 2019 Apr-Jun;15(2):99-104. doi: 10.14797/mdcj-15-2-99.

Abstract

The population of patients with adult congenital heart disease has grown and is currently estimated to include approximately 1 million people in the United States. Cardiologists and imagers frequently encounter complex patients who have undergone multiple prior operations and interventions. A myriad of imaging tests are currently available, including echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, all of which collectively provide invaluable information on cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics. Advanced imaging plays a role in diagnosis and preprocedural planning and also determines the need and frequency of follow-up. This article provides a contemporary review of the current role of cardiac imaging in patients with complex congenital heart disease.

Keywords: adult congenital heart disease; cardiac computed tomography; cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; three-dimensional contrast-enhanced angiography.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Cardiac Imaging Techniques*
  • Echocardiography
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / diagnostic imaging*
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / physiopathology
  • Heart Defects, Congenital / therapy
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Prognosis
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed